Business, international

Political fast: Suchinda in dilemma over Chamlong hunger strike

Article Abstract:

The popular oppositionist parliamentarian Chamlong 'Mr Clean' Srimuang went on a hunger strike that would last until Suchinda Kraprayoon resigns the premiership of Thailand. Chamlong, the former governor of Bangkok, is protesting Suchinda's ascendancy without due electoral process but has stated he would not accept the premiership even if Suchinda resigns. Suchinda is left with the options of either waiting out the hunger strike or using force, but both would ultimately lead to social and political upheaval. Such results would threaten Thailand's reputation of stability.

Tight race for power; leading parties may be forced into coalition regime

Article Abstract:

It will be a close fight for political leadership in Thailand's Mar 22, 1992, elections. No single party is clearly ahead giving rise to speculations that the leading parties may coalesce for political power and form a new government. The political groups in the forefront are the Chart Thai, Samakkhi Tham, New Aspiration, Democrat and Palang Dharma parties. Conjectures on the electoral outcome are continuously changing because of the uneasy situation in the military junta and the ongoing investigations for corruption charges against previous administration officials.

Counting the cost: army, people and monarchy shaken by four-day violence

Article Abstract:

The four days of violence in mid-May 1992 in which the Thai army gunned down scores of unarmed demonstrators has left the nation with a lot of scars. The people, the monarchy, the military and the political parties were severely shaken. The violence only ended upon the timely intervention of King Bhumibol Adulyadej near midnight of May 20. Prime Min Suchinda Kraprayoon announced his resignation on May 24, 1992 but there was no remorse visible from him or his friends who comprise the highest echelon of the Thai military for the dastardly deed.